Hadžibajrić on works on Kovači and Ploča: A major project, and weather conditions are slowing us down

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - The reconstruction project of Kovači and Ploča streets is underway in the Old Town, on the section from Čekrekčijina mosque to the junction with Mustafe Dovadžije and Hadžijamakova streets, where cobblestones are partly retained and partly asphalted. In both cases, the replacement of underground utilities is included, which, along with weather conditions, significantly complicates the works. The construction sites were visited today by the Mayor of the Old Town Municipality, Ibrahim Hadžibajrić, who expressed satisfaction with the completion of the asphalt paving of Ploča street, from the Alija Izetbegović Museum to the junction with Mustafe Dovadžije and Hadžijamakova streets, and explained that this is a major project and a significant investment.

"We carried out the complete reconstruction of Ploča street. This means not only asphalt paving but also the complete underground infrastructure, including water supply, electricity, telecommunications, rainwater drainage, sewage, etc., and the sidewalks were also done. We paved about 1,000 square meters of the street here, and the works cost around 168,000 KM," explained Hadžibajrić.

He added that works are currently being carried out in the lower part of Kovači, the pedestrian zone, where, contrary to plans, utility replacement also had to be done.

"Works are underway in the pedestrian zone section, from Čekrekčijina mosque to the Islamic Community building, and that part is nearing completion. The most important thing is that the utilities have been replaced. Unfortunately, weather conditions are slowing down our work, especially since cobblestones are also involved, which are very specific. This is being done now and again, who knows, maybe in about 20 to 30 years," he said.

In addition, during the works in the pedestrian part of Kovači street, a major fault was discovered in the water supply system, and the main water pipe was replaced, individual connections were made, water quality was tested, and other necessary works were carried out, which further affected the deadlines. According to Hadžibajrić, these works alone cost almost another 100,000 KM.

"Works on the cobblestone section will cost over 400,000 KM, plus an additional 100,000 KM that we had to allocate for the replacement of water supply utilities. The entire project will cost nearly 700,000 KM. Although, unplanned utility works are possible when the works on Kovači begin – in the upper part," he said. Hadžibajrić emphasized that this is a major investment, but it will finally resolve the issues of extremely busy streets, and that the works are being carried out to a high standard. However, in addition to Kovači and Ploča, and Ferhadija and the announced reconstruction of Štrosmajerova street, streets in the peripheral parts of the municipality will not be neglected either.

"This year, another 26 streets are being worked on. Among them is the reconstruction from Višegradska kapija towards Ravne bakije. This is the section leading to the cemetery, as we completed the opposite side earlier and will now complete this part. Some streets have already been completed, such as: Hadžijska ravan, Nova Baruthana, Prvi bataljon... everything is proceeding as planned. Around 7.5 million KM will be allocated for infrastructure this year. These are huge expenditures, with the Municipality receiving assistance from the Canton Government for Ferhadija and Štrosmajerova streets in the amount of about one million KM, and 300-400,000 KM for the rehabilitation of the section towards Ravne bakije," said Hadžibajrić.

He added that numerous smaller projects are also planned, such as the installation of public lighting, fences, handrails, traffic signs and mirrors, niches, and retaining walls, for which significant funds are also allocated.